Who was Zacharias?
Zacharias (also spelled Zechariah) mentioned in Matthew 23:35 is a biblical figure identified by Jesus in a striking indictment of the religious leaders of His day. Jesus refers to him as “Zacharias son of Barachias, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.” His name in Greek is Ζαχαρίας (Zacharias), from the Hebrew זְכַרְיָה (Zekaryah), meaning “Yahweh remembers” or “the Lord has remembered.”
The identity of this Zacharias has sparked some scholarly discussion, but the traditional understanding is that he refers to Zechariah son of Jehoiada, a righteous prophet-priest who was murdered in the temple court during the reign of King Joash (2 Chronicles 24:20–22). However, Jesus calls him the “son of Barachias,” which leads some to link him to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah (Zechariah 1:1). Nevertheless, Jesus’ statement in Matthew 23 is better understood as referring to Zechariah son of Jehoiada due to the context of martyrdom “between the temple and the altar,” a detail consistent with 2 Chronicles 24.
Biblical References
- Matthew 23:35 – Jesus refers to Zacharias’ murder as part of the cumulative guilt upon Israel:
“And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.” - 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 – The historical account of Zechariah, son of Jehoiada:
“Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, ‘This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands?…’ But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple.” - Zechariah 1:1 – Refers to the prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah, son of Iddo.
What Happened in the Bible?
Jesus condemns the religious leaders in Matthew 23 for their hypocrisy, pride, and persecution of God’s messengers. He accuses them of sharing in the guilt of their forefathers who murdered the prophets, culminating in the killing of Zacharias “between the temple and the altar.” This reference recalls the murder of a faithful prophet-priest in the sacred space of the temple itself—symbolizing the utmost defilement of what should have been a place of justice and holiness.
Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, had boldly confronted Judah‘s leaders and King Joash for abandoning the Lord. For this, they conspired against him and stoned him in the very courtyard of the temple (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). His death is not only a tragic injustice but a symbol of Israel’s long history of rejecting God‘s word and God‘s messengers.
Jesus places this event at the end of a long line of righteous bloodshed, beginning with Abel (Genesis 4:8). By referencing Abel and Zechariah, Jesus encompasses the full span of Old Testament martyrdom—from Genesis to 2 Chronicles, the first and last books of the Hebrew Bible in Jewish order—framing His point with the beginning and end of Israel‘s sacred history.
Meaning for Today’s Christians
Zacharias’ death is a sobering reminder that proclaiming truth may come at great cost. He stood alone against corruption and was killed in the very place that was meant to uphold righteousness. His courage and faithfulness are examples for believers to speak God’s truth even when it is unpopular or dangerous.
Christians today are called to stand for righteousness and truth with the same boldness, even if it means being opposed, rejected, or persecuted. The story warns against religious formalism that resists correction and truth, even while maintaining the external forms of worship.
Jesus‘ citation of Zacharias also reveals God‘s just judgment upon unrepentant hearts. There is a reckoning for all sin, especially the sin of rejecting God‘s prophets and, ultimately, His Son. It reminds the Church to receive the Word with humility and not resist the Spirit‘s correction.
Connection to Jesus and the Gospel
The death of Zacharias points forward to the ultimate rejection of Jesus Himself. Just as Zacharias was killed in the temple precincts, Jesus would be crucified outside the holy city by those claiming to defend God‘s honor. Both were innocent. Both brought God‘s Word. Both were killed by the very people they came to warn and save.
Jesus uses the murder of Zacharias as a final indictment before predicting judgment upon Jerusalem. In the same chapter (Matthew 23:37-38), He weeps over the city and declares, “Your house is left to you desolate.” The death of prophets culminates in the death of the Son of God. But unlike Zacharias, Jesus‘ death was redemptive—His blood not only cries out for justice like Abel’s (Hebrews 12:24) but offers mercy, forgiveness, and new life for all who believe.
Broader Biblical Themes
The Rejection of God’s Messengers
From the Old Testament through the New, God‘s people often resisted His word. Prophets like Elijah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah were persecuted or killed for confronting sin and calling people to repentance. Jesus’ own ministry faced the same rejection. This pattern reveals the hardness of the human heart apart from divine grace.
God’s Justice and Longsuffering
God patiently sent prophet after prophet (2 Chronicles 36:15-16), but His justice would not be delayed forever. The reference to Zacharias reminds readers that judgment is real. While God is merciful, unrepentant sin and hardened rebellion will meet His righteous wrath.
True Worship vs. Corrupt Religion
The location of Zacharias’ murder—between the temple and the altar—symbolizes how corrupt religious systems can become blind to God’s truth. External religion without inward righteousness leads to injustice, even within holy spaces. True worship involves submission to God‘s Word and Spirit.
Martyrdom and Faithfulness
Zacharias’ story is part of the larger testimony of those who were “tortured, refused to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35). His faithfulness unto death reflects the cost of following God, yet his story contributes to the cloud of witnesses urging us to endure and remain faithful (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think Jesus included the death of Zacharias in His indictment of the religious leaders?
- What does the location of Zacharias’ death tell us about the dangers of religious hypocrisy?
- How does the history of rejecting prophets prepare us to understand the rejection of Jesus?
- In what ways are we tempted to resist God’s truth when it convicts or challenges us?
- Are there situations in your life where God is calling you to boldly speak the truth in love?
- How can we, as believers, guard against becoming religious in form but spiritually resistant to God?
- What does Zacharias’ story teach us about God’s memory and justice?
- How can we honor the legacy of faithful witnesses like Zacharias in our Christian walk?
- What does this account reveal about Jesus’ identity as the culmination of God’s revelation?
- In what ways does the gospel offer hope in the face of injustice and martyrdom?
Zacharias’ legacy lives on as a powerful example of faithful obedience, sacrificial courage, and the sobering cost of confronting evil. His blood cries out not only for justice but also points us to the one whose blood speaks a better word—Jesus Christ, the righteous One who died for sinners and rose to give us life.